Besides YouTube, there’s Linked-In Learning (formerly Lynda.com) that’s probably available for FREE courtesy of your local public library.

One of my goals is to convert some of my kid’s class tutorials/projects into sellable pdf patterns. I did have one printed pattern sell through in a local quilt shop, but wanted something a little more professional looking. A quilt pattern designer offered pre-made templates in Canva. I purchased a set several months ago and finally got around to looking at them. Good instruction with the templates, but I needed a little more help with Canva – it had been a while since I last used the application.

Located a Canva for quilters class offered online. Price was okay, but I thought I would check with Linked-In Learning before I spent money on another class. The course outline for both courses was very similar. I chose to start with the least expensive option. One hour and 7 minutes later, I’d completed a professional learning module on Canva- complete with an official certificate of completion. No charge to me. Thanks to my library card.

I learned exactly what I needed to. Think I’ll try this with InDesign sometime soon.

Triple huggies this morning from my crazy doodle girl. Must be a sign that 2023 is going to be a good year!

New Year’s Eve was spent participating in a 5 hour mystery quilt livestream sponsored by Stitchin’ Heaven and Craftsy. What fun! There were over 2,000 people on the YouTube channel watching along with me. Yes, there were some technical glitches, but that’s to be expected with live programming. The hosts shared tips and tricks during each step of the process. They explained various methods to do HSTs using different tools. They adhered to the published schedule. Prizes awarded were nice and plentiful. The finished quilts revealed at the end were quite lovely. I did all of the prep work ahead of time and I only managed to get 1 sample of each type of block made, I did make a lot of headway on the prepping the sub-units, though.

Several folks complained about the pattern being too hard. I think their real issue with the pattern is the amount of prep work and piecing required for each 8-1/2″ block (16 HSTs that have to be oriented specific ways). One of the co-hosts was the pattern’s designer. She rated it as a confident beginner pattern and explained her rationale for giving it that rating. Yes, HSTs are appropriate for a confident beginner, but the number of match points and small units in this 8-1/2″ block means those confident beginners better have lots of time and patience in their quilty toolboxes.

One takeaway for my own teaching practice is to state at the beginning of my session what I expect students to accomplish before leaving that day. One completed block of each type used in the project is a viable goal. I’ve heard that I should plan 30-60 minutes of student work time for each block being taught in a workshop. Large, intricate blocks will require even more time.

Hope you have a peaceful New Year’s Day. I’ll be trimming up 500+ HSTs so I can resume block assembly on my NYE mystery quilt project.

One lasting effect of the pandemic has been the shift to online instruction in the quilting and sewing realm. In-person classes are still offered here locally, but have you noticed that the bigger names in the industry seem to be focusing on online content and less on face-to-face classes? I joined my quilt guild in June. We’ve had 3 nationally known teachers present classes since then. Only one was in-person. The others were via Zoom. Fortunately, 2023 offerings include Christa Watson and Anna Maria Horner doing LIVE classes. Hopefully, I’ll get a seat in at least one class!

Search for your favorite designer or sewing instructor. Do they have any in-person appearances scheduled for 2023? I checked the schedule of a local pattern designer who teaches regionally (and was even a featured instructor on one of those quilting cruises pre-COVID). Most of her listed events are via Zoom. The only in-person events are two lectures at local guilds and an all-day workshop. Sadly, I think the era readily accessible in-person classes by well-known instructors may be behind us. I think our options going forward will be strictly online or you will need to travel where the instructor is willing to teach an in-person class. Paducah or Houston maybe?

Online instruction is certainly more convenient and cost effective. Some of it is quite good. I was able to attend a lecture given by a UK designer from my very own sewing space. In late January, I’ll be taking a live class via Zoom with instructors located in France (Christmas present from hubby). Without Zoom, I wouldn’t be able to do this.

And then there’s social media – specifically Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Got a new machine and you’re a total newbie? Think in-person instruction first, then online. If purchased from a dealer, reach out to the dealer for your introductory machine class. Bought online or second-hand? Ask a sewing friend for help. Then, visit the manufacturer’s social media channels or website for instructional videos. Join a machine model specific group on Facebook for even more guidance.

Want to learn new sewing and quilting techniques? Chat with your favorite designer? YouTube and/or Facebook Live should be your first stop.

Not sure where to start? Give one of these YouTube channels a view:

A Quilting Life (Sherri McConnell)
Bee in My Bonnet (Lori Holt)
Fat Quarter Shop (Kimberly Jolly)
Quilter Pat Sloan
Missouri Star Quilt Company (Jenny Doan)
Shabby Fabrics
Just Get It Done Quilts

Fat Quarter Shop and Pat Sloan have very active channels, FB pages and websites. Fat Quarter Shop does a number of live stream events and brings in designers/reps from various companies to showcase products. One of my favorite Sew Days was when the library let watch the FQS live-stream with Kimberly Jolly on the big screen while we stitched.

One of the best ways I’ve found to learn new things is to stitch with a group of folks – sew with friends, a bee group, Sip & Sew, stitch n bitch – whatever you want to call it. Here, you’ll be able to get one-on-one or small group instruction right at the point of need – the absolute best time to learn something new.

Happy stitching and learning new things in 2023!